Theories of Ethics
Theories of ethics are important in human life and to philosophers in defining morality. The Divine Command theory argues that morality depends on a supreme being, God in which human beings have a moral obligation to obey every command (Al-Attar 6). The theory is controversial among various theorists such as Plato and JL Mackie who view ethics in another angle (Al-Attar 6). However, many classic and contemporary philosophers such as Thomas Aquinas, Philip Quinn, and Robert Adams support it. The theory calls for understanding of the religious understanding of morality and ethics due to its theoretical and practical importance.
The Divine Command as a Metaphysical Foundation
The Divine Command is a metaphysical foundation for morality especially for people that are committed to the existence of moral truths regarding obedience to a supernatural being. In addition, it provides an answer to the question of being moral and not indulging in matters that are considered evil by the world. The view of ethics is based on the trust in God according to theism belief that God judges human beings for their actions (Al-Attar 9). People that engage in evildoing will be punished and the ones that live a moral life will receive their reward. In this case, people must act in ways that are against self-interest to ensure that they sacrifice their own wellbeing for the sake of children, friends, and strangers since God commands it.
God as the Source of Ethical Principles
Divine Command theory entails use of God as the main source of every principle and rules of the universe. Anybody that supports this theory must believe the existence of a willful and rational being that has already given the direction towards ethical outcomes (Carson 446). The command therefore, prohibits some acts and the only way can be right is if God commands it. ethics and morality are important in religion since good acts will be rewarded in afterlife as guided by the Holy scripture. Individual conscience is also important for people advocating for this command since every action taken counts in their life and must receive a reward.
Criticisms of Divine Command Theory
On the other hand, the opponents of Divine Command argue that punishment and reward are inadequate for moral motivation. In this case, the argument that if somebody must act morally simply because God’s command is not logical (Ellis 4). An individual does good to gain from the reward for eternal bliss or avoid punishment, which is not an ideal account for moral motivation. Instead, it can be considered a moral immaturity since people should live well with others in the community as a way of valuing them or as desire for happiness. Morality cannot depend on God’s will since obeying his command does not amount to being ethical, as people are obliged to obey any person in high command.
The Universal Nature of Divine Command
Some philosophers have rejected divine Command as a working ethical theory but it is vital in defining to moral rules of human beings. Such principles are applicable to everyone, every time, and in all places regardless of the states of an individual in the society. The belief that God is eternal cannot change and his command does not depend on the critiques of others on what is right or wrong. Thus morally exists outside the reasoning of human beings since God is the ultimate commander. I support the Divine Command theory as one that influences morals and ethics of human beings due to its universal nature. Regardless of people’s arguments against it as a determiner of morality, the command promotes good behavior and love among human beings.
Works Cited
Al-Attar, Mariam. "The ethics and metaphysics of divine command theory." The Routledge companion to Islamic philosophy. New York: Routledge (2015).
Carson, Thomas L. "Divine will/divine command moral theories and the problem of arbitrariness." Religious Studies 48.4 (2012): 445-468.
Ellis, Brian. The philosophy of nature: A guide to the new essentialism. Routledge, 2014.
